Wakefield Council, in collaboration with local tourism partners, is excited to launch a comprehensive Destination Management Plan (DMP). This plan is set to enhance tourism over the next five years while also promising a summer filled with thrilling events and experiences for both visitors and residents.
The Destination Management Plan
Wakefield’s new Destination Management Plan aims to transform the district into a premier tourist destination. This initiative, part of the “Our Year – Wakefield District 2024” campaign, seeks to bolster economic growth and create more unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Councillor Michelle Collins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, highlights the significance of this plan, stating,
“Our district is an incredible place to visit. We’ve got so much to see and do, and we’re demonstrating that every day during Our Year – Wakefield District 2024. This new approach to destination management will help us work closely with our tourism partners to enhance visitor experiences and foster economic growth.”
Key Objectives of the Plan
The Destination Management Plan focuses on several core objectives to achieve its ambitious goals:
- Collaboration with the Tourism and Hospitality Sector: By working closely with local businesses, the plan aims to increase visitor spending, extend stays, and create new, sustainable experiences.
- Promoting Wakefield as the Sculpture Capital: Wakefield is positioned as the cultural gateway to the North, raising awareness of its rich artistic heritage.
- Infrastructure Development: Ensuring that Wakefield’s infrastructure can accommodate growth, providing visitors with the information and amenities needed for a positive experience, encouraging repeat visits.
Exciting Summer Events
This summer, Wakefield offers a vibrant calendar packed with events, exhibitions, and activities for all ages:
The Hatchling – Wakefield City Centre and Pugneys Country Park
- Date: Friday 23 August – Sunday 25 August
- Details: Experience a groundbreaking outdoor theatrical performance over the August bank holiday weekend. Created by the award-winning team at Trigger, The Hatchling will culminate in a spectacular finale at Pugneys Country Park as the sun sets.
Barti Kher: Alchemies at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
- Duration: Now – Sunday 27 April 2025
- Details: This major solo exhibition by Bharti Kher showcases works from 2000 – 2024, including significant outdoor bronze sculptures and a large clay work that will be constructed and then left to disintegrate.
Summer Holidays Helping Hands at National Coal Mining Museum for England
- Duration: Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September
- Details: Discover the community spirit during the Miners’ Strike, enjoy beach activities, and explore the great outdoors in a fun-filled summer programme.
Ronald Moody: Sculpting Life and Summer Holidays at The Hepworth Wakefield
- Duration: Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September
- Details: Explore works by Jamaican-born sculptor Ronald Moody, alongside family-friendly activities such as garden play, art pods, and workshops.
Evita at Theatre Royal Wakefield
- Dates: Wednesday 21 August – Saturday 31 August
- Details: Wakefield Youth Music Theatre presents the musical smash hit Evita, featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Fun with Featherstone Rovers at Nostell, National Trust
- Duration: Monday 22 July – Thursday 29 August
- Details: Free family play sessions with athletics, cheerleading, tug of war, and wigwam building, featuring Featherstone Rovers players and their mascot, Percy the Pit Pony.
Super Summer at Wakefield Museums and Castles
- Duration: Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September
- Details: Enjoy a variety of activities at Wakefield’s museums and castles, including fashion workshops, history hunts, family quests, dungeon tours, and outdoor theatre.
Quotations from Key Figures
Olivia Colling, Deputy Director at The Hepworth Wakefield, emphasizes Wakefield’s cultural significance:
“As the birthplace of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, Wakefield plays a special role in the public enjoyment of sculpture and art. The new destination management plan focuses on sculpture and culture as one of Wakefield’s strengths.”
Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England, adds:
“We are delighted by the approval of the Wakefield DMP. This plan will ensure we can make the most of what our amazing district has to offer and help make Wakefield a must-visit destination.”
For further information on the Destination Management Plan, visit Wakefield Destination Management Plan. To explore summer events, visit Experience Wakefield.
